
Lesson 7, for August 13, 1949
A Vision of the Throne
LESSON SCRIPTURES: Rev. 4:1-11; 5:6-14.
MEMORY VERSE: "Every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and
under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying,
Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne,
and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." Rev. 5:13.
STUDY HELP: "The Prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation," pages 407-413,
419-423.
AIM: To obtain a clearer, f tiller knowledge of the love of God and of the intense
interest which heavenly beings have in the redemption of man.
The Open Door, the Throne, and the Bow of Promise
1.
What vision followed the prophetic history of the Christian
church? Rev. 4:1.
Nom.—From the description that follows it is evident that this was not
a door
into
heaven, but a door "in heaven." The prophet was privileged to
behold the heavenly sanctuary and the throne. See Jer. 17:12.
In the expression, "things which must be hereafter," the prophetic nature
of the Revelation concerning future events is again emphasized.
2.
Describe the appearance of the throne and the Divine Being
seated upon it. Rev. 4:2, 3. Compare Ezek. 1:26-28.
Nom—The expression "jasper and carnelian," as given in the Revised
Standard Version of the New Testament, suggests the brilliant robes of
royalty. John saw the throne "set," or placed.
In connection with the work of investigative judgment which began in
1844, Daniel saw that "thrones were cast down," or placed. In harmony with
this, Ellen G. Harmon, in February, 1845, "saw the Father rise from the
throne, and in a flaming chariot go into the holy of holies within the veil,
and sit
down."—Early Writings,
page 55. See Dan. 7:9, 13, 14.
NoTE:—"The rainbow round about the throne is an assurance that God
is true, that in Him is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. . . .
The honor of His throne is staked for the fulfillment of His word unto us."
—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 148.
The Throne of the Universe
3.
Who occupied the honored seats, or "thrones," about the
central throne? How were they attired? Rev. 4:4.
NorE.—In nearly all the modern versions of the New Testament the word
"seats" is rendered "thrones."
4.
What scene of activity is vividly described? Rev. 4:5.
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